Description
Moist and flavorful carrot cake cupcakes topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the carrots are finely grated for a smoother texture.
- You can substitute applesauce with more oil for a richer cupcake.
- Store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg